10 Smart First Date Ideas
There's no question first dates can be nerve-wracking. What to wear? What to say? Where to go? All this uncertainty is compounded when it's not just a first date, but perhaps your first date in a long time.
Spice it Up.
Cooking can be fun and sexy. There're cooking classes for all levels available throughout the country. Checkout the food section of your local paper to see what area restaurants and community colleges are offering up courses.
Cut a Rug Ballroom, Salsa, Swing, and Samba.
The first date choices are endless when it comes to dancing. Even if you haven't stepped on a dance floor in years, there're plenty of teachers who can help you get back in the swing of things. Besides being fun, dancing cheek-to-cheek may also help you further determine the chemistry factor.
Have a Picnic.
One of the most romantic and soothing outings is a picnic by the lake or on the beach. This is invitingly enhanced when both people like the outdoors. If you're shopping for food and drink together, this will add to the adventure. If not, be sure you decide on what each of you will bring to eat.
The Beauty of Art.
Share a love of art by going on a gallery walk or museum tour. You can also sign up for an art history lecture at your local university.
Set Sail on the High Seas.
You can also keep your first date simple by renting a canoe or row boat and heading to a nearby lake or canal. If one of you is skilled, you can even rent a powerboat or sailing vessel. And, don't forget the excitement of a splurge on a moonlight cruise.
The Literary Word.
What better way to bond than over your favorite books? Attending a book reading at your local bookstore or university is a great way to find common ground and keep the conversation flowing.
Get Moving.
Perhaps your new friend enjoys hitting the courts or shares your passion for golf. All types of active outings make great first dates and help you stay in shape at the same time. Engaging in a physical activity can raise the level of intimacy, as you'll be more exposed both physically and emotionally. You'll discover how the other person deals with winning and losing.
Make Music.
Whether you're moved by opera, country, rock, or classical, attending an indoor or outdoor concert is sure to set the tone for a great first date!
Cultivate Romance.
If gardening is a shared passion, a trip to a plant nursery or arboretum could be a fun first date idea.
Wine and Dine.
What's the difference between Shiraz and Syrah? A fun and easy way to find out is attending a wine tasting or by visiting a winery. This is ideal for a first encounter because it's both casual and informative, and yet, you're still able to talk to each other.
What to wear on that first date?
Now that you've finally decided to go on that first date, the next decisions should be easy: Where to meet? What to say? What to wear? Yes, what to wear. According to a recent poll on PerfectMatch.com, 60% of guys believe Jeans, shirt and sport jacket expressed the best first date impressions, while that 46% of women preferred their first date suitors in Jeans, shirt and sport jacket and 43% in just a t-shirt and jeans.
To help you look and feel your best, we've enlisted the advice of Tom Julian, fashion trend analyst, guru and author of Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style.
Fashioning a First Date Look for Your Body Type
Most women think men are totally unselfconscious about their physiques, but most men would (secretly) disagree. Know how to dress your body in order to play up its strengths and play down its weaknesses.
First things first, identify your body type but do not let it limit your fashion choices. Being self-aware about your physique can help you hone in on the right clothing choices for you.
Find out what to wear for your body type on your first date.
Dress to Impress - Be Well-Suited for Your First Date
The right suit can turn an interview into a job, a lunch meeting into a deal, maybe even a date into a long-term relationship...
...But the wrong suit can ruin everything. It's been said that the suit is a symbol of modern manhood; whether a man is 18 or 81, he needs a great suit in his closet. A suit imparts a sense of authority, credibility and class to the wearer. Tom Julian truly believes that it's impossible to go wrong wearing the right suit.
Find the right suit
Finding the Perfect White Shirt
As the saying goes, if you really care about someone, you are willing to give them the shirt off your back. The shirt is a critical part of the tailored ensemble that sits closest to the body, so it has to be comfortable and impeccably fitted. Even though it may seem irrelevant, a great shirt is what makes a great suit look, well, great. The shirt is the heart and soul of the suit - the jelly in the doughnut, the olive in the martini.
Find the perfect white shirt for your perfect first date
Buckle Up to Trousers
Pants are a wardrobe staple - and we are not talking about your standard pair of jeans - but a great pair (or two) of trousers. Trousers feature belt loops, a fly, a waistband, pleats, or cuffs and are an essential part of creating a look that's comfortable for you.
Find the right pair of pants
Selecting the Correct Shoes
Put your best foot forward on your first date by stepping into footwear that matches your personal style - from everyday casual to fine dining dating. Ever wonder what shoes to wear with certain fabrics? We have some answers for you.
Find the right pair of pants
Alameda Date Ideas from Alameda Singles
Post Date: Mar 21, 2011
Mai from Alameda says: Bistro Liason in Berkeley - wonderful Frenc chefPost Date: Sep 4, 2011
Lynn from San Rafael says: Appetizers on the water or with a view of water.Post Date: Aug 22, 2011
Tim from San Francisco says: LOVE being outside! I love hiking so TN has become a favorite spot of mine over the last couple of years. Michigan summers will always be dear to me! There's something great to be found wherever you are, especially if there's a bonfire.Post Date: Aug 14, 2011
Browneyedlady from Castro Valley says: Just being in San Francisco!Post Date: Aug 8, 2011
tin from Palo Alto says: San FranciscoPost Date: Jul 31, 2011
Meredith from San Francisco says: Being in San Francisco, there are so many great spots to go to. But a nice neighborhood restaurant with a good wine list is always a good choice.Post Date: Jul 30, 2011
Michael from Redwood City says: Side walk Cafe.Post Date: Jul 25, 2011
joe from Walnut Creek says: JACK'S PLACEPost Date: Jul 25, 2011
Donna from Forest Knolls says: Locally I like to Rafael Theater In San Rafael, Open Secret Bookstore, Rock, Reggae, Classical, or bluegrass music venue, walking in the forest, Sausalito or Point Reyes.Post Date: Jul 18, 2011
Keith from Oakland says: Hotel Biron in SF. The greatest wine and art bar. Such a hidden gem!Post Date: Jul 10, 2011
Louis from San Francisco says: South BeachPost Date: Jul 9, 2011
Michael from Castro Valley says: In general I like scenic spots, nature, and peace & quiet. In San Francisco, The Twin Peaks and Turtle Hill (rather quiet) offer some great views of the city. Golden Gate Park offers much in the way of museums and beautiful gardens. On the East Bay, I find Berkeley offers a lot of great food choices and also some great views.Post Date: Jul 8, 2011
Yehuda from Berkeley says: my favorite date location is a nice restaurant and a night at the theaterPost Date: Jul 6, 2011
earl from Emeryville says: french restaurantPost Date: Jul 3, 2011
Elsa from San Rafael says: It's difficult to choose in San Francisco. I would have to say it would be McCormick's. It is near the wharf and always has a great view.